Iron Tribe to open Downtown location at FedEx Logistics HQ
Memphis Business Journal
Susan Ellis – Projects Editor
Iron Tribe is set to open its third Memphis-area location at the FedEx Logistics headquarters in the old Gibson Guitar building at 145 Lt. George W. Lee Ave. Downtown.
Iron Tribe was founded in Birmingham and specializes in high intensity interval training — which translates into big impact in as little time as 45 minutes.
Sarah Cook McBride, creative director with Iron Tribe, said she feels this fitness program is a little bit more approachable than CrossFit. They offer small classes with an emphasis on accountability and nutrition.
"We have members who are college athletes all the way up to [people in their] late 60s, early 70s," she told the Memphis Business Journal. "You can come to Iron Tribe at any fitness level and get better. And that's where the personal approach comes into play, because coaches can modify and scale any movement in the workout so you can get something out of it."
John Irvine is the local owner. He opened the first Iron Tribe in Memphis in 2014. The two current locations are at 454 Perkins Extd. and 7460 McVay Station Ct. in Germantown.
“We can’t wait to open the doors on the Downtown location,” Irvine said in a statement. “It’s been wonderful to witness the East Memphis and Germantown locations grow and serve the Memphis community, and I have no doubt that this location will do the same.”
The new Downtown location will be 7,500 square feet. It is being designed by LRK, and Grinder Taber Grinder is the contractor. Construction will be completed in the fall, and the facility is set to open in the fall as well.
McBride said they generally look to locate in a dense area, and if there's another gym nearby all the better. They are looking for a spot where there's a strong sense of community, which is one of the main elements of the brand.
"Once you join, you can't help but tell your friends about it because you'll likely lose weight or maybe if you want to gain muscle — whatever goal you have," she said. "You're surrounded by a community that's cheering you on. So, it's not uncommon to have one person join and then their spouse joins or their best friends join or coworkers join just because it it does have that very welcoming, opening atmosphere to it."
The first 50 people who join the new Downtown Iron Tribe get the first 21 days free and a 15% discount on membership for life.
"It's just a very personalized approach to fitness," McBride said. "That's why we call it Iron Tribe because it's a tribal community. Once you're a member, you really get plugged into this awesome community that supports you."
